By Steve M. Cohen bio
Both managers and employees should remember the old saying about what happens when you assume. And assuming your employees are happy and your job is safe are good examples.
Here are four common signs that someone is taking their job for granted and what those actions inadvertently say to others:
1. Tardiness = “It really doesn’t matter to me who has to wait.”
2. Not responding to emails = “I’m just not that into working here.”
3. Outdated voice mail greeting = “I don’t care anymore.”
4. Constant complaining = “I don’t need this job.”
Don’t assume your employees aren’t looking elsewhere
Some managers react to poor employee attitudes with a negative strategy. They load up staff with work and stress, while providing few motivations, even recognition and appreciation. These owners and managers assume their employees have no place else to go.
This has brought about so much resentment and distain that one statistic indicated that as much as 64 percent of the current workforce are ready to leave their employers as soon as a viable alternative job opportunity presents itself. Wow! Almost two out of every three employees are fed up with their current employer! That’s just wrong.
To avoid losing your best and brightest, I suggest a strategy that is aligned with a culture of recognizing employees as far more than interchangeable functionaries. By seeing and treating employees with respect and appreciation for their engagement, retaining them will be far more likely.
Related to all of this is an emphasis on two-way communications with staff members. That’s not easy for anyone, and for busy managers, time can be among their most valuable commodities. But even a few minutes each day to foster better communications with their staff can pay big dividends.
Communications can help other workplace environment issues. When management is accessible and sharing its most valuable commodity—time and attention—more people become engaged in their work, which can pay enormous productivity dividends. The potential is staggering.
Don’t assume your job is secure
As a manager, it’s not a good idea to assume your job is set in stone either.
If you find yourself feeling restless or unfulfilled, try to focus on the positive aspects of your job. Take a new look at the job and search for creative ways to contribute or to support others you work with.
In an economy that’s still tepid, having a job and the financial and emotional stability it provides—including other perks such as health insurance or other benefits—is a safety net that allows you to cope with and handle many other challenges of life.
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